Any mentors for hire out there?

Wow, I'm impressed. Someone who actually wants to learn, is willing to pay for the training, and understands that other people's time has value.

If you can't find someone in your local area to take you up on your offer, consider setting up the training via the Windows Remote Access function. If you haven't used it before, it offers two modes. The first way is where you allow the other person to take over your computer while you sit there and watch. You'll see this used sometimes when you call for technical support where you give the tech rep permission to control your computer so that he can troubleshoot your system and fix bad software installations or program glitches. It's impressive but also a little disturbing the first time you experience this to sit there and watch your computer being manipulated all over the place.

The second mode is where you give permission for the remote user to watch you while you do work on your computer. This is the mode that might work for your training. This way, you could get training from anyone anywhere rather than just limiting yourself to people in your area who could get together in person. The training could be conducted during the evening or on a weekend and could be split up into more than one session or could be continued if you find that four hours wouldn't be enough. If both of you were watching you use your computer to train on ProSeries while talking by phone using headsets, it would be very close to having the trainer right there at your side and a lot more convenient. If you conducted your training during the evening or on a weekend using your cellphones, even the phone minutes would be free.

Here are some additional considerations. (1) Of course, you'll have to find someone who knows the ProSeries program and taxes. As you've discovered, knowing the program is much more than purchasing it and getting it installed correctly. If you find someone who knows the program but very little about taxes, your training will be very limited. If you find someone who knows taxes but not much about the program, ditto. You need someone who knows both. Also, since you're in California, ideally the trainer would know CA taxes as well, although I wouldn't disqualify a trainer simply because he/she is not in California. For instance, I'm in Florida but I do CA taxes all the time for clients who have moved here from California.

(2) You need someone who knows a bit about computers, or at least is comfortable using Remote Access.

You might also consider posting your help wanted ad on the Quickbooks board. Many Quickbooks professionals are also ProSeries users, and Quickbooks professionals are frequently acquainted with Remote Access since it's an integral function of the Accounting version of Quickbooks. The Quickbooks Pro Adviser emblem is a good thing to look for.

By setting it up as Remote Access, you could agree to pay for one hour's training with the option of going up to four hours or however long you wish to go. That way if you and the trainer aren't compatible or you find that you're just not getting anything out of the training, you wouldn't be on the hook for the full four hours. And remember with Remote Access you can sever the connection anytime you want if the person on the other end turns out to be a wacko or something.

Consider trying Remote Access with a buddy to see how it works. If you have more than one computer in your home, say a desktop and a laptop, you can even try Remote Access by yourself.

You know, this really isn't a bad idea for a start-up business, especially during the offseason when tax professionals have more time on their hands.

I really hope it works out for you, whether you find a trainer in your area or you find a way to get it done via Remote Access. It's nice to find someone who doesn't expect something for nothing. Good luck!